News in Brief

Massachusetts politician Thomas Barnico counters that the sanctions do not “interfere with the conduct of foreign policy by the (federal) government” and maintains that the local laws are constitutional.

SPDC extends deadline for Wa rebels

Following talks with Wa leaders, the SPDC has agreed to a o­ne-year deadline extension for the United Wa State Army to evacuate its base at Doi Lang, stronghold of former druglord Khun Sa.

Tension between Rangoon and the UWSA had escalated nearly to the point of battle prior to the settlement. Some observers, however, assert that Rangoon is actually maintaining its claim to the area by allowing the Wa forces to stay longer at the base.

NLD criticizes junta for economic flaws

Amid spiraling inflation, rising prices and mounting social unrest, Aung San Suu Kyi criticized the SPDC for economic mismanagement: “No o­ne can deny that the government cannot handle the economy. There’s no point in putting more into this economy.”

Suu Kyi further commented in an interview that the present Burmese economy has reached its “peak,” and that businessmen agree there are fundamental flaws in the system.

Crackdown o­n illegal labor

In an effort to control illegal immigration, the Thai government has issued legislation that would subject unlawful workers, their employers and agents bringing illegal workers into Thailand to a maximum of ten years’ imprisonment as well as a fine of up to Bt 100,000.

However, the policy has been criticized for lack of due consideration from all parties involved and has resulted in a shortage of workers in various industries which many Thais consider “dirty and dangerous.”

Goh Chok Tong in Rangoon

Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, accompanied by his foreign minister and Singaporean businessmen, met Burmese leaders Gen. Than Shwe and Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt during a recent official visit to Burma. His last trip was in 1994 when he was the first leader of an Asean country to visit. o­n the bilateral front, the leaders agreed that relations were excellent, and both sides should sustain the momentum of cooperation.